Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Book Review: "Starboard" by Ava Olsen

I’m now two books into this series (it’s called Voyagers) and I’m loving it. I don’t normally read an entire series super fast, but these books are a great balance of romance, super-spicy steam, and emotional depth. (Each book has recurring characters, but they can be read as a standalone.)

Dylan is a handsome actor whose public struggles with alcohol have damaged his career. He’s been divorced twice, and while his first stint in rehab didn’t quite take, he’s now been sober for two years and has spent most of that time out of the public eye.

He’s reluctantly agreed to work with a ghostwriter on his memoir, and at the same time he’s been offered a new film role. His close friends and his AA sponsor are worried that opening up about his life and addiction may damage his sobriety.

Max has made a living as a ghostwriter and professor, and writes his own novels in his spare time. When he and Dylan meet for the first time, there’s an immediate connection, and it’s not long before Dylan is opening up about many long-held secrets, including a major bombshell: he’s bisexual.

The more time they spend together, the stronger their attraction to one another grows. As much as they try to keep things professional, they know it’s just a matter of time before their lust overwhelms them. But what will a relationship with Max do to Dylan’s sobriety? Will a relationship sure to go public affect the tenuous custody arrangement Max and his ex-husband have for their teenage daughter?

"I remembered that some stars collided and merged as one, united forever after. Others ricocheted upon impact and headed into different directions, never to meet again."

While there is very little question about how this book will end, it still was a really enjoyable read. Dylan’s struggles with sobriety and his vulnerability about sharing his secrets added some real emotion to the story. I’m ready to get onboard for the third book!

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